Legendary rhythm & blues recording artist and Jackson resident Denise LaSalle has recently undergone a leg amputation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, according to a news release by family spokesman Howard Rambsy.

“Recently, Denise LaSalle found herself in one of her greatest health battles of her life,” the release said. “Moving from a hospital in her beloved hometown of Jackson, Tennessee, to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Miss LaSalle was presented with the medical decision of having her right leg amputated to prevent further medical complications.

“Upon hearing the news, she never cringed, but instead instructed her medical professionals to proceed with the best possible direction for her health.”

The health issues that led to the amputation are believed to have begun with a fall LaSalle suffered “some time ago,” according to Rambsy.

LaSalle, 78, is known for such R&B hits as “Trapped by a Thing Called Love” and “Now Run and Tell That.” She was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2015 and has recently branched into the gospel genre of music.

She has plans of opening the Denise LaSalle Blues Academy of Performing Arts in Jackson, and that remains at the forefront of her mind as she deals with this health issue.

“When coming out of surgery for the amputation of her leg and finding herself surrounded by her husband James Wolfe and other family members, Miss LaSalle’s first concern was the progress of the Denise LaSalle Blues Academy of Performing Arts,” the release said. “The Denise LaSalle Blues Academy of Performing Arts is the realization of a long-time dream that Miss LaSalle has had, that she insisted be developed to give young people the opportunity to study and learn the foundations of blues and gospel music.

“One of her first directives about the Academy was that young people between the ages of 8 and 14 years of age be allowed to attend tuition free.”

LaSalle had a message for her fans as well.

“Just as any matriarch, Miss LaSalle is concerned about the people of her dominion being cared for before her personal health,” the statement said. “She would like for her fans and musical community to know that she has undergone her surgery and emerged still trapped by the wonderful thing called love.

“And as long as there is love, the love that she has for her fans and the love that they have for her, the future will remain a bright and worthy destination.”

Reach Brandon Shields at bjshields@jacksonsun.com or at 731-425-9751. Follow him on Twitter @JSEditorBrandon or on Instagram at editorbrandon.